MOKENA, Ill. -July 8, 2014 // GLOBE NEWSWIRE // - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently more than 130,000 unemployed post 9/11 veterans across the U.S. To assist these deserving veterans in developing job skills and finding rewarding careers, Creative Colors International (CCI) - the industry leader in on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, protection and dyeing of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic and carpeting - has announced the launch of a new campaign. In collaboration with USA Cares - a charity that provides financial and advocacy assistance to post 9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans and their families - the campaign aims to provide honorably discharged military veterans the opportunity to become CCI technicians and to also award one qualified military veteran a free franchise.

Starting Monday, July 7, 2014 through Friday, August 15, 2014, CCI and USA Cares encourage honorably discharged, post 9/11 veterans nationwide to apply to become full-time CCI technicians as a means to start their new careers by joining forces with successful franchise owners. Each trainee will need to first complete a two-week Certified Technician Training Program at CCI headquarters in Mokena, Illinois, in which USA Cares will cover travel expenses. Training will begin on September 2, 2014 and end on September 12, 2014. Additionally, CCI's nationwide network of franchisees will be donating 5 percent of total profits made on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 as part of the campaign.

"It is an honor to be able to provide job opportunities to deserving military veterans as a reward for their service and dedication to our country," said Terri Sniegolski, CEO of CCI. "We've found that military veterans' personal and professional qualities align perfectly with franchising due to their results-driven nature, discipline to follow a proven system for success and desire to help others, which are all important traits we look for in our technicians and franchisees. Many military veterans have found success with CCI as they thrive in an environment where they're able to serve others, and we look forward to growing our veteran network as we expand throughout the nation."

During CCI's Certified Technician Program, veterans will learn the key tasks and responsibilities of a technician, including how to repair, restore and recolor tears, burns, rips and cuts in all types of leather, vinyl, fabric and plastic materials that can be found in the furniture, automotive and commercial markets. CCI technicians are responsible for providing these services on a mobile basis while developing and maintaining customer accounts, preparing customer invoices and providing weekly reports to the company, as well as distributing marketing literature and explaining the value of CCI's services/products to customers. For veterans who attend training and are interested in becoming technicians, if there are no existing franchises nearby, USA Cares will help relocate the veterans to the nearest CCI franchise. For a list of regions where CCI is currently located, click here.

"Coming out of the military, I was looking for a career that would allow me the chance to utilize the leadership and interpersonal skills I acquired during my service," said Jose del Llano, military veteran and owner/technician at CCI of Orlando, Florida. "CCI offered a strong support system where I could learn by following people who had already succeeded. If you are skilled in communication and self-discipline, and have the passion to do whatever it takes to flourish, joining CCI will allow you to discover your full potential and find success in a lucrative, multifaceted industry."

Following training, CCI will launch the second part of their veteran employment initiative with a franchise giveaway contest. All newly trained veteran technicians who are interested in becoming franchise owners will be given the opportunity to apply for a free franchise territory, and the winner will be chosen based on professional, personal and financial qualifications, as well as interviews.

The RSVP deadline to sign up for CCI's Certified Technician Program is Friday, August 15, 2014. The campaign is open to honorably discharged, post 9/11 military veterans nationwide. While USA Cares will provide travel expenses for the veterans to attend the two-week training, all applicants will be responsible for covering their own lodging, food and any other miscellaneous costs during training. To apply for CCI's Certified Technician Program, please visit http://www.wecanfixthat.com/employment/employment-application/.

For more information on CCI, visit www.wecanfixthat.com.

About Creative Colors International

Launched in 1991, the Creative Colors International (CCI) franchise system was created through its affiliate, J&J's Creative Colors, the original industry leader in refurbishment techniques and systems. J&J's Creative Colors was founded in 1980 by Jim and JoAnn Foster. Today, both companies continue to be family-owned and operated by the second generation Foster family. Catering to the abundance of upholstered items in every home, business and vehicle, CCI is the ultimate in on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, protection, and dyeing of leather, vinyl, plastic and fabric. Through proprietary technology, CCI restores damaged seats at a fraction of replacement costs, saving customers up to 90 percent. CCI repairs are stronger than the original area and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. In the Automotive, Furniture and Commercial Markets, CCI offers on-site repair and restoration to all types of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic and carpeting by repairing and redyeing holes, cuts, tears, burns, scrapes, fading and discoloration. For more information on CCI's services and franchise opportunities, visit www.wecanfixthat.com.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: To help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. USA Cares has responded to over 50,000 requests for assistance with over $11 million in indirect-support grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, www.usacares.org or by calling (800) 773-0387.

Media Contact:

Lauren BarbianFishman PR847.945.1300 x 270lbarbian@fishmanpr.com

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Creative Colors International, Inc.

Launched in 1991, the Creative Colors International (CCI) franchise system was created through its affiliate, J&J's Creative Colors, the original industry leader in refurbishment techniques and systems.

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